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Not that long ago Ghost was wondering where the heater was.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Mike Lewis
With all this hoopla going on about the Sheriffs Race I have been trying to get together with what I felt the front runners are to get to know them better. To my great pleasure I have not only met some wonderful and new people, I am convinced that the people I have in fact met so far are extremely dedicated to their goals and they have the proper backgrounds to be in this race.
What I'm about to say is my own personal opinion but I wanted to share it with everyone to see how they felt about my idea. I have met Mike Lewis personally and I watched him recently speak at the NAACP meeting the other night. He is a VERY convincing man with a fabulous career and the state of Maryland had been very fortunate to have such a professional Trooper keeping us safe, especially in the drug enforcement area. I have come to learn in person that Mike has an almost hypnotic kind of personality, which is very rare these days. I say this in a positive fashion.
However, I tend to wonder if he isn't truly missing his calling? Mike is a NO BS kind of guy, (which I like very much) and he's actually the man they need desperately in the City of Salisbury as Chief of Police. The crime is in the City of Salisbury, (in my opinion) and they have young Officers that are in desperate need of the right kind of man that can lead these young men into becoming unbelievable Officers. So call it selfish but I really wish Mike could have been able to take over Chief Websters place rather than the County Sheriff because I personally think he'd be wasting 90% of what he's so good at.
They need to get the drugs off the street in the City folks. They need to clean up the neighborhoods where everyone knows the drugs are severe. We don't need TOUGH Sheriff's Deputies, we need TOUGH City Police Officers and Webster just isn't cutting it.
I'm NOT at all stating Mike Lewis wouldn't make a good Sheriff, so don't even go there. My point here is to simply say, what a shame the Mayor isn't begging Mike to come on board as Chief of Police for the City of Salisbury where Mike could put his gifts to great use where it actually belongs rather than only getting 10% of that action in the Sheriffs Department. This is purely selfish, I know.
What I'm about to say is my own personal opinion but I wanted to share it with everyone to see how they felt about my idea. I have met Mike Lewis personally and I watched him recently speak at the NAACP meeting the other night. He is a VERY convincing man with a fabulous career and the state of Maryland had been very fortunate to have such a professional Trooper keeping us safe, especially in the drug enforcement area. I have come to learn in person that Mike has an almost hypnotic kind of personality, which is very rare these days. I say this in a positive fashion.
However, I tend to wonder if he isn't truly missing his calling? Mike is a NO BS kind of guy, (which I like very much) and he's actually the man they need desperately in the City of Salisbury as Chief of Police. The crime is in the City of Salisbury, (in my opinion) and they have young Officers that are in desperate need of the right kind of man that can lead these young men into becoming unbelievable Officers. So call it selfish but I really wish Mike could have been able to take over Chief Websters place rather than the County Sheriff because I personally think he'd be wasting 90% of what he's so good at.
They need to get the drugs off the street in the City folks. They need to clean up the neighborhoods where everyone knows the drugs are severe. We don't need TOUGH Sheriff's Deputies, we need TOUGH City Police Officers and Webster just isn't cutting it.
I'm NOT at all stating Mike Lewis wouldn't make a good Sheriff, so don't even go there. My point here is to simply say, what a shame the Mayor isn't begging Mike to come on board as Chief of Police for the City of Salisbury where Mike could put his gifts to great use where it actually belongs rather than only getting 10% of that action in the Sheriffs Department. This is purely selfish, I know.
Salisbury Outback
I have been a long time fan of Outback ever since they opened in the USA I'm a huge fan of their layered cheesy fries and I used to love ordering the prime rib with horse radish. Their burgers at one time were the best anywhere too. Over the last few months there's been a major change in the Salisbury Outback though.
We get together with friends once a week and we're considered one of Outback's biggest regulars. I have always felt "you can't change something you're not aware of," so whenever I have an issue with what I've ordered I let them know as politely as I can so no one spits in my food. (LOL)
Well there comes a time when enough is enough. I don't know about all of you but recently every meal is coming out with either 1/2 the portions or everything is burned. I love my prime rib rare, (Pittsburgh Style). Tonight they delivered my steak very well done and our waitress knew immediately it wasn't right. She took it back and came out with the manager and this time the steak was cooked even more so than the first time and I guess the manager was there to convince me this time they had done a better job. I simply looked at her and said, show me one portion of this steak that is rare? It had fat everywhere and get this, it wasn't more than 1/4 inch thick to boot. It should be told that I had ordered their largest 16 oz. prime rib too!
So what happened to the old Outback we used to know? Remember the old Bloomin Onions that were HUGE? You watch one table get cheesy fries and they're flowing over the sides and dripping on the floor on the way to the table and then you see the next order come out with next to nothing on the plate. They try to tell you they're measured and all the same, NOT! So I made a decision tonight to simply say I've had enough. Our friends enjoy the Alice Spring Chicken and I found out why their chicken was always so moist. The chicken is bought locally every day and it's simply fresh. Lately each piece of chicken has again either been burned and or there's no more moisture. Considering we've been telling them things just aren't right for quite some time now and nothing is changing, it's time to stop going to Outback.
It's a real shame to see such a great place fall apart like that but they've taken my money for the last time and I'm sick of walking out of there feeling cheated rather than full. I bring this up because I'm curious if everyone else who frequents Outback has been experiencing the same problems?
We get together with friends once a week and we're considered one of Outback's biggest regulars. I have always felt "you can't change something you're not aware of," so whenever I have an issue with what I've ordered I let them know as politely as I can so no one spits in my food. (LOL)
Well there comes a time when enough is enough. I don't know about all of you but recently every meal is coming out with either 1/2 the portions or everything is burned. I love my prime rib rare, (Pittsburgh Style). Tonight they delivered my steak very well done and our waitress knew immediately it wasn't right. She took it back and came out with the manager and this time the steak was cooked even more so than the first time and I guess the manager was there to convince me this time they had done a better job. I simply looked at her and said, show me one portion of this steak that is rare? It had fat everywhere and get this, it wasn't more than 1/4 inch thick to boot. It should be told that I had ordered their largest 16 oz. prime rib too!
So what happened to the old Outback we used to know? Remember the old Bloomin Onions that were HUGE? You watch one table get cheesy fries and they're flowing over the sides and dripping on the floor on the way to the table and then you see the next order come out with next to nothing on the plate. They try to tell you they're measured and all the same, NOT! So I made a decision tonight to simply say I've had enough. Our friends enjoy the Alice Spring Chicken and I found out why their chicken was always so moist. The chicken is bought locally every day and it's simply fresh. Lately each piece of chicken has again either been burned and or there's no more moisture. Considering we've been telling them things just aren't right for quite some time now and nothing is changing, it's time to stop going to Outback.
It's a real shame to see such a great place fall apart like that but they've taken my money for the last time and I'm sick of walking out of there feeling cheated rather than full. I bring this up because I'm curious if everyone else who frequents Outback has been experiencing the same problems?
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Ocean City On Fire!
This photo goes out to all my old friends and neighbors in Captain's Hill in West Ocean City. Not a day goes by I don't miss the beautiful sunrises over the Bay. Then in another 30 minutes all the tourons would show up in their boats by the hundreds and screw it all up. ;-)
Flower Basket?
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Shouldn't this sign say, "Sanford & Son?" Does anyone happen to have a clue what their business hours are as well because the last three times I have been by here they have not been open for business?
Friday, July 28, 2006
The Sky Is Falling!
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At around 5:00 this evening a storm started rolling in and I heard within a few short minutes one farmer had an inch of rain. I just happened to catch this shot as it was rolling in.
What's More Crooked?
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A). The Street Light Pole?
B). The Jaycees Sign?
C). The City of Salisbury?
D). All of the above?
Pittsville is Booming!
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This is visual proof the Town of Pittsville has outgrown their own facility and have busted out the curb in order to make additional parking for City Hall. To your left will be, oh, 5 or 6 additional spaces for parking. If Paul Wilber gets his way there'll be parking meters in these spaces in no time, just like Salisbury.
Pittsville Fire Station 7 Restaurant
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Out with the old and in with the new! Todd & Carol Wampler are plugging away in the hopes of having the new Restaurant open by September.
Don't miss their new website @ www.station7restaurant.com
Do you know where YOUR property line is? (Updated)
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It seems everywhere I turn I see the Ron Alessi sign on State Property. Then they come mow that area, probably take away the sign and the next thing you know there's another one up on the opposite corner.
This one was taken on Rt. 50 right after the Bypass heading West. Last week it was on the same side, just across the street on the other West corner. I have driven down roads where there are no people living in homes and there were 3 Ron Alessi signs on the property on a 1/4 acre lot!
Are there laws for this? Can you post a sign on State property? I even saw his sign on a commercial property on Main Street and thought, don't you need a permit for "any" sign for commercial property in the City Limits?
Maybe I'll just keep riding around and snap picture of these illegal signs?
Maryland Department of the Environment
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Sydney Blake has retired!
Another dissatisfied customer! After 30+ years with the MDE the gentleman to your left has retired. I personally want to thank Mr. Blake for his professional services. Mr. Blake didn't know me from Adam when I first called but he "immediately" came to my home to review pictures I had taken of the WWTP and called in ALL the dogs that day to make an emergency trip to the WWTP and spent three days there writing violation after violation.
When I came to learn about the illegal pipes running directly into the river at the Zoo as well as the overflow of raw sewage in the Bison exhibit and then into the river, he once again showed up that day and took care of business. I have praised these guys since day one because they did what they said they were going to do and we can all only hope they find someone just as professional as he was, but I doubt that very seriously. It is my understanding they have been trying to find a replacement for Mr. Blake for the past 3 months and have had no luck whatsoever. What do we do now?
Debbie Campbell's Letter
Growth planning must be accessible to residents
It is obvious from testimony, polls, letters and conversations that most Salisbury residents are dissatisfied with growth management and many recent decisions regarding development. Their reasons are also obvious. Increasing numbers of residents are also dissatisfied with the process by which planning occurs and zoning is done.
Many residents feel this process takes place in secret until decisions have been made and announced — in part because there is little media coverage. By then, it’s too late to participate in a meaningful manner. Those who do participate are often displeased by what they experience and feel developers are usually favored at the expense of the public.
One reason for this is the difficulty the average person faces to participate, which begins with obtaining adequate information in a timely and convenient manner. It is surprising so little information is made available on the Internet.
Starting as soon as possible, each meeting agenda, as well as staff reports, recommendations and other significant material, should be posted on the city Web site at the earliest possible time. Details about specific requests for zoning action should be posted shortly after receipt. Other jurisdictions already do this. It is an easy way to make information readily available to the public so the process will be more transparent.
Another factor that has resulted in criticism is the manner in which those who participate are often received and sometimes treated. Since becoming a member of the Salisbury City Council, I have come to appreciate the basis for that criticism, and hope it will cease immediately.The primary reason the public is dissatisfied is the nature of growth and development that has been approved in recent years. After several decades that resulted in overcrowded roads and schools, a number of larger projects have been proposed and, in some cases, approved with little or no consideration of impact on existing neighborhoods, subsidies such as TIFs or quality of life.Additional regulation, such as required by HB 1141, will do little to change the situation unless more attention is paid to residents and growth is better managed, so existing neighborhoods are protected and residents are not harmed by new development. In Salisbury, the mayor recently indicated her administration is working on a revision of the city’s comprehensive plan. The first step should be to ask residents about what they desire. Hopefully, in the next several weeks the City Council will conduct a public hearing so residents can speak directly to the council before a draft plan is prepared.Once drafted, there should be additional hearings before the council takes action.
Deborah CampbellSalisbury
It is obvious from testimony, polls, letters and conversations that most Salisbury residents are dissatisfied with growth management and many recent decisions regarding development. Their reasons are also obvious. Increasing numbers of residents are also dissatisfied with the process by which planning occurs and zoning is done.
Many residents feel this process takes place in secret until decisions have been made and announced — in part because there is little media coverage. By then, it’s too late to participate in a meaningful manner. Those who do participate are often displeased by what they experience and feel developers are usually favored at the expense of the public.
One reason for this is the difficulty the average person faces to participate, which begins with obtaining adequate information in a timely and convenient manner. It is surprising so little information is made available on the Internet.
Starting as soon as possible, each meeting agenda, as well as staff reports, recommendations and other significant material, should be posted on the city Web site at the earliest possible time. Details about specific requests for zoning action should be posted shortly after receipt. Other jurisdictions already do this. It is an easy way to make information readily available to the public so the process will be more transparent.
Another factor that has resulted in criticism is the manner in which those who participate are often received and sometimes treated. Since becoming a member of the Salisbury City Council, I have come to appreciate the basis for that criticism, and hope it will cease immediately.The primary reason the public is dissatisfied is the nature of growth and development that has been approved in recent years. After several decades that resulted in overcrowded roads and schools, a number of larger projects have been proposed and, in some cases, approved with little or no consideration of impact on existing neighborhoods, subsidies such as TIFs or quality of life.Additional regulation, such as required by HB 1141, will do little to change the situation unless more attention is paid to residents and growth is better managed, so existing neighborhoods are protected and residents are not harmed by new development. In Salisbury, the mayor recently indicated her administration is working on a revision of the city’s comprehensive plan. The first step should be to ask residents about what they desire. Hopefully, in the next several weeks the City Council will conduct a public hearing so residents can speak directly to the council before a draft plan is prepared.Once drafted, there should be additional hearings before the council takes action.
Deborah CampbellSalisbury
Who's Who?
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The only two local politicians I saw there last night were Stevie & Shanie. I don't think they were there for the free soft drinks and cookies either.
By the way, the guy on the left, that isn't Shanie. LOL!
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Racial Profiling
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When the NAACP asked, for those of you candidates who believe there is racial profiling towards African Americans and the Mexican Communities please stand up......... Mr. Lowe from the other table also stood up. The rest did not.
Meet ALL your Sheriff Candidates
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In order, Major Doris Schonbrunner, Mike Lewis
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. www.majordoris4sheriff.comwww.mikelewis4sheriff.com
www.wayneloweforsheriff.com
www.roberts4sheriff.com
www.southforsheriff.com
These are the only websites available. One of the candidates didn't even have a brochure and or any information there. In my opinion however, this is how to inform the community so everyone can make a sound and informative decision. The most imprtant thing here is that everyone needs to VOTE!
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The Most Honorable People In The County!
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7-27-06
Naacp forum tonight at 6:30 PM. Location is: Mills Memorial Baptist Temple 1323 Jersey Road.
From left to right.
States Attorney Davis Ruark, Judge Beckstead & Major Doris Schonbunner, (candidate for Wicomico County Sheriff)
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Thank You City of Salisbury!
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If you'd like to enjoy a car just like this one contact Kevin Tracy, (attorney at law) at 301-982-1003 like Jennifer did. Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!Now all she needs to do is find that retirement home she's always dremed of the the cycle will be complete.
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Fox News
This is the kind of land the animals in the Zoo deserve. I captured these pictures in Delmar.
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Wednesday, July 26, 2006
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The Kodak Moment!
If there was ever a favorite moment or a favorite shot I have "ever" taken in my life, this is it! I took this shot from my pier at my home in Ocean City. It actually made the front cover of the Ocean City Today Newspaper and ticked off quite a few fisherman along the way. (LOL)
Click on the picture to enlarge it, it's worth it!
Designated "No Smoking" area
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When I forwarded this photo to Barrie Tilghman, this was her reply.
"Joe: He is standing in a designated "No Smoking" area which is away from the main areas where visitors to the Zoo usually visit. Barrie Tilghman"
As Carlos Mancia would say, Dee, Dee, Dee! Excuse me Barrie but isn't this also the Main Office for the Salisbury Zoo, which butts right up to Ben's Red Swings?
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A Norman Rockwell Moment
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I can't pway wight now guys. Gwandma and Gwampa said I'm gonna be in big twouble if I don't get in there wight now.
Re-Development
I came to learn tonight that Dunn has now taken it upon himself to solicit "endorsements" from area groups for the mall project.
OK Mikey, you claimed publicly you had more than 100 people that supported this move. Now put your money where your mouth is and make sure they're all within the City Limits!
Cattle Egret
This beautiful photo comes from bury_voter while visiting the Zoo today. Heck, this guy is so good, I'll bet he could actually make Rapp look good!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Monday, July 24, 2006
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Tower, this is GBH approaching runway one, over.
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This Great Blue Heron is a regular at our Ranch in Delmar.
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